Lilly is named this year's "Top Dog," for her fundraising efforts. The Big Bear walk for MS is unique in that dog participation is allowed--and encouraged.

Event organizers for this year’s MS Walk—Dave Emig, the Moose Lodge and the Big Bear Lions Club—had set a fundraising goal of $75,000 for the 5th annual walk along the Alpine Pedal Path that took place on April 18 in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. That mission has been accomplished! Emig reports that the final tally is in and, thanks to over 550 walkers and countless dogs who participated, Big Bear generated $80,235 in the event billed as “Stayin’ Alive for Walk MS Five.” Given this total, including the $200 raised by “Top Dog” Lilly Knapik, the Big Bear community has raised over $380,000 in five years to further the efforts of MS research and treatment. For more on this year’s walk, see our April 20 posting.